How to Make a Gorgeous Thanksgiving Turkey, According to a Food Stylist

Three key tips for preparing a bird that looks as good as it tastes.

Thanksgiving turkeys are intimidating. You can fret over the pecan pie and cranberry sauce all you want, but, let’s be honest for a second, they’re all just supporting actors. We all know the bird is the real star of the show—and it ain’t easy being beautiful.

Use aluminum foil for even browning.

Check the turkey often for dark spots. When you spot one, slap some aluminum foil on it.

“While it’s cooking, if the turkey starts to pick up brown spots, you want to cover them with aluminum foil,” Hanners explains. “The rest of the turkey will continue to brown, while those dark spots don’t get any darker.”

Don’t sacrifice good flavor for good looks.

“Every food stylist has a different technique they like to use,” Hanners says. “Don’t deviate too far from the way you like your turkey to be cooked.”

Sure, we all want an Insta-worthy turkey. But don’t freak out if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you imagined. After all, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.